The United Kingdom has taken a major step toward redefining its migration framework by introducing a shortlist of 82 mid-skilled occupations for potential inclusion in the upcoming Temporary Shortage List (TSL). Released on 9 October 2025 by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the update aims to expand visa access for non-degree (RQF 3–5) professionals filling critical skill shortages across the UK’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and service sectors.
What Is the Temporary Work Visa?
The Temporary Work Visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK for a fixed period to address urgent labour gaps. Unlike permanent visa options, it is time-limited and tied to specific roles or industries facing immediate shortages. These positions are often vital to the economy but do not require degree-level qualifications.
What Is the Temporary Shortage List (TSL)?
The Temporary Shortage List provides a fast-track visa option for occupations at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) levels 3–5 — such as tradespeople, technicians, and mid-level specialists — where demand outpaces domestic supply. The TSL ensures employers can fill essential positions while encouraging long-term workforce development within the UK.
Why the 82 Mid-Skilled Careers Matter
Historically, the UK’s work visa system prioritised degree-level (RQF 6+) jobs. However, industries in construction, engineering, and manufacturing continue to struggle with staff shortages. The TSL pilot is designed to address this imbalance, providing a structured route for mid-skilled workers while ensuring that domestic training remains a government priority.
Stage 1: The Shortlist
In phase one, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reviewed hundreds of mid-skilled professions and shortlisted 82 occupations for deeper evaluation. The next stage — known as Phase 2 — will determine which jobs make it to the final Temporary Shortage List based on real-world evidence, employer feedback, and skill-gap data.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Announcement
- The Temporary Shortage List covers RQF 3–5 roles — typically diploma or trade-level positions.
- Visa validity may range between 3 to 5 years.
- Dependants will not be allowed for new entrants under this pathway.
- Occupations must demonstrate genuine shortages before final inclusion.
- The policy aims to balance international recruitment with local workforce investment.
Full List of 82 Mid-Skilled Occupations Under Review (2025–2026)
Below is the complete list of professions currently under review by the Migration Advisory Committee for inclusion in the Temporary Shortage List (TSL):
Note: Inclusion in this list does not guarantee final eligibility under the 2026 Temporary Shortage List.
9249 - Elementary sales professions n.e.c 8143 - Routine inspectors and examiners 8134 - Water and sewage plant workers 8133 - Energy plant workers 8113 - Chemical and associated process workers 5441 - Ceramics and glass makers, decorators, and finishers 5330 - Construction and building trades managers 5323 - Decorators and painters 5322 - Wall tilers and floorers 5321 - Plasterers 5319 - Construction and building trades n.e.c 5316 - Carpenters and joiners 5315 - Plumbers, heating and ventilating installers, and repairers 5314 - Roof tilers, slaters, and roofers 5313 - Bricklayers 5312 - Stonemasons and associated trades 5311 - Steel erectors 5250 - Skilled metal, electrical, and electronic trades managers 5249 - Electrical and electronic trades n.e.c 5246 - Electrical services, maintenance, repairers, and mechanics 5245 - Security system installers and repairers 5244 - Computer system and equipment servicers and installers 5243 - Video, TV, and audio servicers and repairers 5242 - Telecoms and related network repairers and installers 5241 - Electricians and electrical fitters 5235 - Ship and boat builders and repairers 5234 - Aircraft maintenance and related trades 5321 - Auto technicians, mechanics, and electricians 5225 - Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers 5224 - Precision instrument makers and repairers 5223 - Metalworking, manufacturing, and maintenance fitters 5221 - Metal machining setters and setter-operators 5214 - Pipe fitters 5213 - Welding trades 5212 - Metal plate employees, molders, smiths, and related professions 5211 - Sheet metal employees 4214 - Firm secretaries and administrators 4159 - Other administrative professions n.e.c 4132 - Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants 4129 - Financial administrative professions n.e.c 4122 - Payroll supervisors, bookkeepers, and income clerks 4121 - Credit controllers 3582 - Health and safety supervisors and officials 3581 - Inspectors of standards and regulations 3573 - Information technology trainers 3571 - Human resources and industrial relations officials 3556 - Sales accounts and business development supervisors 3554 - Marketing associate experts 3552 - Business sales administrators 3549 - Business associates experts n.e.c 3544 - Data analysts 3543 - Project support officials 3541 - Evaluators, estimators, and valuers 3534 - Financial accounts supervisors 3533 - Financial and accounting technicians 3532 - Insurance underwriters 3520 - Legal associates experts 3512 - Ship and hovercraft officials 3429 - Design professions n.e.c 3422 - Fashion, clothing, and accessories designers 3421 - Interior designers 3417 - Audio-visual, photographers, and broadcasting equipment operators 3415 - Musicians 3414 - Choreographers and dancers 3413 - Entertainers, actors, and presenters 3412 - Writers, authors, and translators 3411 - Artists 3213 - Medical and dental technicians 3133 - Database administrators and web content technicians 3132 - IT user support technicians 3131 - IT operations technicians 3120 - CAD, drawing, and architectural technicians 3119 - Engineering, science, and production technicians n.e.c 3116 - Planning, process, and production technicians 3115 - Quality assurance technicians 3114 - Building and civil engineering technicians 3113 - Engineering technicians 3112 - Electrical and electronics technicians 3111 - Laboratory technicians 1258 - Directors in consultancy services 1257 - Hire services supervisors and proprietors 1243 - Supervisors in logistics
What Happens Next?
The Migration Advisory Committee will soon open a public Call for Evidence to collect input from employers, trade associations, and educational bodies. These consultations will determine which occupations advance to the final list. The final version of the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) and the expanded Immigration Salary List (ISL) are expected to be published by mid-2026.
Impact on Employers and Workers
For Employers
- Employers relying on mid-skilled workers may gain access to a new visa channel but must justify labour shortages with solid evidence.
- Companies are encouraged to submit detailed workforce plans demonstrating how they intend to train UK residents alongside foreign hires.
- Future visa applications will likely require proof of salary compliance and role authenticity.
For Migrant Workers
- Being in one of the 82 listed occupations may open a temporary visa route in 2026.
- The visa is non-permanent and may not lead directly to residency.
- Dependants will not be allowed under the initial rollout phase.
Conclusion
The UK Temporary Shortage List represents a major evolution in British immigration policy, opening mid-skilled visa pathways for the first time. While still in development, the 82 shortlisted careers mark an important step in balancing domestic employment priorities with international labour market needs. The final TSL announcement in 2026 will determine which industries gain long-term access to skilled international talent.